At least 567 successful surgical operations were conducted during the Jan. 26-29 Bagtik medical and surgical mission in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte province, an official said Monday.

“We are thankful to all doctors and surgeons who dedicated their time and efforts in the conduct of this medical and surgical mission in Siargao Island,” said Surigao del Norte 1st District Representative Francisco Jose Matugas II in a statement.

The Bagtik mission is seen as the biggest medical service activity conducted on the island after Typhoon Odette (Rai) hit the area in 2021.

The medical activity, held at the Siargao Island Medical Center in Dapa town, was organized by the office of Matugas with the support of surgeons from Singapore, Manila and Cebu.

Of the total number of surgeries conducted, 159 were considered major, 284 were minor, and 124 were cataract-related.

The free medical services also included free operations on goiter, parotid gland tumors, ovarian cysts, myoma, hydrocele, hemorrhoids and gallstone.

At least 130 Siargao residents also availed of the free cervical screening conducted at the Family Life Center in General Luna town.

Of the 130 residents screened, 104 were examined and four turned positive for early-stage cervical cancer.

Matugas said the medication of all the patients who had undergone surgeries will continue with the support of the Medical Assistance Program of his office to government hospitals in the province. (PNA)